Nasal insert and cannula and methods for the use thereof

ABSTRACT

A nasal insert includes a housing having a circumferential wall defining an interior passage. The wall has a longitudinal gap extending along a length thereof, with an outer peripheral dimension of the housing being adjustable by varying the gap. A valve is in communication with the interior passage and limits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least one direction. In another embodiment, a nasal insert includes a user interface having a tubular housing defining an interior cavity open at opposite ends. An exterior surface of the housing is adapted to interface with a nasal vestibule of a user. A base is received in the interior cavity of the housing and includes an exit port. A cap is connected to the base and has an input port. A valve member is disposed in an interior passage defined by at least one of the cap and base, with the valve member being moveably received in the interior passage. Methods of using and assembling the nasal inserts also are provided.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/629,921, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/540,740, filed Sep. 29, 2011, entitled“Nasal Insert and Cannula and Methods for the Use Thereof,” the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a nasal insert, and inparticular, to a nasal insert and cannula suitable for the treatment ofvarious sleep disorders, including without limitation sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND

There are a wide variety of different diseases and physiologicaldisorders associated with breathing, including sleep disorders such assleep apnea and snoring, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD),bronchitis, asthma and others. Many of these diseases and disorders maybe treated by modifying the respiratory cycle.

For example, various oral or dental devices, such as the mandibularadvancement device (MAD), have been developed for sleep apnea, and maybe effective for treatment of mild sleep apnea, especially for patientsthat sleep on their back or stomach, and may improve airflow forpatients with severe sleep apnea. These types of oral/dental devices maynot be as effective, however, as continuous positive airway pressuredevices (CPAP). Moreover, oral/dental devices are typically expensive,and may be associated with various side effects, including nighttimepain, dry lips, tooth discomfort, rearrangement in tooth and jawpositions, and excessive salivation, one or more of which may lead toreduced patient compliance.

CPAP devices will effectively control sleep apnea, but patientcompliance may again be low, due for example to the discomfort of, andclaustrophobic feeling associated with, the mask, pressure of thedevice, noise associated with the machine, entanglement of tubes, etc.

Other devices, as disclosed for example and without limitation in U.S.Pat. No. 7,735,491 to Doshi, U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,179 to Pedley and WO2007/134458 to Robitaille, have been developed to treat sleep apnea andother respiratory disease and disorders by interfacing with the nasalpassage of the user. Many of these types of nasal insert devices,however, may be difficult to properly install and/or use, for examplerequiring screwing of the device into the nasal passageway. In othersystems, a holdfast, which secures the device to the user, may beexternal to the user, leading to lower levels of comfort and compliance.Conversely, internal holdfast systems may have a limited size variance,leading to such devices being either too tight or too loose, and/oradversely affecting the comfort level of the device and the associatedcompliance. Indeed, internal holdfast systems are often intended tocreate a tight seal with the nasal passageway, which may limit thepopulation associated with any particular device.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of a nasal insert includesa housing having a circumferential wall defining an interior passage.The wall has a longitudinal gap extending along a length thereof, withan outer peripheral dimension of the housing being adjustable by varyingthe gap. A valve is in communication with the interior passage andlimits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least onedirection.

In another embodiment, a nasal insert includes a user interface having atubular housing defining an interior cavity open at opposite ends. Anexterior surface of the housing is adapted to interface with a nasalvestibule of a user. A base is received in the interior cavity of thehousing and includes an exit port. A cap is connected to the base andhas an input port. A valve member is disposed in an interior passagedefined by at least one of the cap and base, with the valve member beingmoveably received in the interior passage.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of a nasal insert includes ahousing including an interior passageway having a polygonalcross-section and a valve member disposed in the interior passageway.The valve member is moveably received in the interior passage and has adifferent cross-sectional shape than the polygonal cross-section. Atleast one airflow passageway is formed between the valve member and theinterior passageway.

In another embodiment, a nasal insert includes a housing having alongitudinally extending flow passageway and an opening formed in a sidethereof transversely to the flow passageway. A valve member is insertedinto the flow passageway through the opening. A user interface isdisposed around the housing and covers the opening so as to retain thevalve member in the flow passageway. In one embodiment, a panel may beprovided to cover the opening before the user interface is disposedaround the housing.

Various methods of providing resistance during exhalation are alsoprovided. For example, in one embodiment, a method of providingresistance during exhalation includes providing a housing having acircumferential wall defining an interior passage, wherein the wall hasa longitudinal gap extending along a length thereof. The method includessqueezing the housing and thereby closing at least a portion of the gap,inserting the housing into a nasal passage of a user while the housingis being squeezed and releasing the housing and thereby letting the gapincrease as the housing expands into the nasal passage of the user. Themethod further includes inhaling through the housing and passing airthrough a valve in communication with the interior passage and exhalingthrough the housing and limiting a flow of exhaled air through theinterior passage with the valve while passing at least a portion of theexhaled air through the gap.

In another embodiment, a method of providing resistance duringexhalation includes compressing a user interface having an exteriortubular housing, inserting the user interface into a nasal passage of auser while the user interface is being compressed, and releasing theuser interface and thereby letting the user interface expand into thenasal passage of the user. The method further includes inhaling throughan interior housing disposed in the exterior tubular housing, whereinthe interior housing is less compressible than the exterior housing andpassing air through a valve disposed in the interior housing. The methodfurther includes exhaling through the interior housing and limiting aflow of exhaled air through the interior housing with the valve.

In another aspect, a method of assembling a nasal insert includesinserting a valve member through an opening in the side of a housing,wherein the housing has a longitudinally extending flow passageway, anddisposing a user interface around the housing and thereby covering theopening with the user interface so as to retain the valve member in theflow passageway.

The various aspects and embodiments provide significant advantages overother nasal inserts. For example and without limitation, a nasal insertconfigured with a gap may be easily inserted into a wide population ofusers with different size nasal passageways. At the same time, the gapprovides a defined passageway for the flow of air. In addition, anembodiment configured with a base and cap allows for secure disposal ofthe valve member, thereby avoiding aspiration into the user's lungs,while providing for a simple and robust design. At the same time, theinterface between the valve member and passageway provides forpredetermined air flow paths and associated amounts of resistance.

The present invention, together with further objects and advantages,will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a nasal insertassembly.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the nasal insert shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert taken along line5-5 of FIG. 3 during inhalation.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert taken along line6-6 of FIG. 3 during exhalation.

FIG. 7 is an end view of one of the nasal inserts.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the nasal inserttaken along line 8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view taken along line 9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a nasal cannula assembly.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of nasal insert assembly.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalcannula assembly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an end view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 15during inhalation.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 15during exhalation.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of anasal insert assembly.

FIG. 21 is an end view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal insert taken along line23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal insert.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a nasal insert.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 24during inhalation.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 24during exhalation.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert.

FIG. 29 is a first side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a second side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert taken along line31-31 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 28.

FIGS. 33A-C are three perspective views of the nasal insert shown inFIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert assembly.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 34

FIG. 36 is a side view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal insert assembly takenalong line 37-37 of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG.34 during inhalation.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG.34 during exhalation.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert.

FIG. 41 is a side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is an end view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal insert taken along line43-43 of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 40 duringextraction.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 40during inhalation.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 40during exhalation.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula assembly.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a nasal insert assembly duringinhalation.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a nasal insert assembly duringexhalation.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert.

FIG. 51 is a side view of the nasal insert shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal insert taken along line52-52 of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert during inhalation.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert assembly.

FIG. 55 is an end view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a top view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an insertion/extraction device.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged end view of the insertion/extraction device shownin FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a side view of the insertion/extraction device shown in FIG.57.

FIG. 60 is a front view of the insertion/extraction device shown in FIG.57.

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion/extraction deviceshown in FIG. 57 taken along line 61-61.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the insertion/extraction device priorto engagement with a nasal insert.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the insertion/extraction devicedisposed relative to a nasal insert for engagement therewith.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the insertion/extraction device engagedwith a nasal insert.

FIG. 65 is a front view of a nasal insert assembly applied to a user.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a nasalinsert assembly.

FIG. 67 is a top view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 is an end view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 69 is an side view of the nasal insert assembly shown in FIG. 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, various nasal inserts, nasal insertassemblies and nasal cannula assemblies are shown. The phrase “nasalinsert” and “nasal insert assembly” refer to a nasal insert configuredto interface with one or both nasal cavities of the user, or in a cavityformed in the user's tracheotomy. The phrase “nasal cannula” of “nasalcannula assembly” refers to a nasal insert or assembly coupled to adelivery tube configured to deliver oxygen or other gases.

The terms “longitudinal” and “axial” as used herein relates to a lengthor lengthwise direction, including for example generally the directionof flow of fluids through the nasal inserts and assemblies. The term“lateral” and variations thereof refer to a sideways direction. Theterms “top” and “bottom” are intended to indicate directions whenviewing the nasal insert when positioned for insertion into the nasalcavity of the user, with the “top” end thereof being inserted first.However, it should be understood that a user can use the nasal insertand assembly, and cannula assembly, when the user is in any number ofpositions, including but not limited to an upright position (seated orstanding) or horizontal position (whether lying sideways, prone orsupine).

It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, meanstwo or more. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with,whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member,and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, althoughit may be fixed or permanent. The term “transverse” means extendingacross an axis, including without limitation substantially perpendicularto an axis. It should be understood that the use of numerical terms“first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used herein does not refer to anyparticular sequence or order of components; for example “first” and“second” housing members may refer to any sequence of such members, andis not limited to the first and second indicator members of a particularconfiguration unless otherwise specified. It should be understood thatthe terms “input port” and “exit port” refer to the function of theports during an inhalation phase, and that those same ports serve theopposite function (input and exit) during an exhalation phase.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, one embodiment of a nasal insert 2 is shown asincluding a user interface 4 comprising a tubular housing defining aninterior cavity 6 open at opposite ends. The user interface 4 has anexterior surface 8 adapted to interface with a nasal vestibule of auser. In one embodiment, the nasal insert is made of a compressiblematerial, such as foam, and includes a plurality of annular ribs 10 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The ribs may be more easily compressed and/ordeflected, such that the nasal tissue is allowed to settle in betweenthe ridges/ribs and help to maintain the nasal insert in the nasalcavity. Alternatively as shown in FIG. 4, the user interface 4 has asmooth and continuous exterior surface 8, with the interface 4 beingcompressed and then expanding against the walls of the nasal cavity tomaintain the position of the nasal insert in the cavity.

The nasal insert 2 may be configured as a single unit, which is suitablefor independent and separate insertion into a single nasal cavity of theuser or tracheomoty, or may include a pair of units, connected with abridge 12, which are configured for insertion into adjacent nasalcavities of the user as shown for example in FIG. 65. It should beunderstood that other embodiments described and shown herein may beinserted, or installed, in a similar manner. In various embodiments, thebridge 12 may be configured as a resilient strap in a U-shape, such thatit does not interfere with the user's nose. The bridge 12 may be graspedfor inserting and extracting the nasal inserts 2 from the nasalcavities. In other embodiments, the bridge may be configured as atether.

The nasal insert 2 further includes a base 50 that is shaped to bereceived in the interior cavity 6 of the user interface housing. Thebase 50 defines and includes an exit port 52. A cap 24 is connected tothe base and defines and includes an input port 54. The base and cap areconfigured to fit together, with one or both of the base and cap, aloneor in combination, defining an interior passageway 40. A valve member 30is moveably disposed in the interior passage. As shown in FIG. 5, thebridge 12 may be formed integrally with the base 50, or alternativelywith cap 24, with the base or bridge having a catch or tab 14 that isreceived in a groove or recess 16 formed on an interior of the userinterface housing 4 so as to secure and prevent relative longitudinalmovement of the cap/base and user interface.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, an insert end 18 of the base narrows, whether bytapering or curvature, relative to an opposite end 20 secured to the cap24, so as to form a neck. In this way, the user interface 4, which fitsas a collar around the neck, may be compressed to a greater degree atthe insert end. Preferably, the base is made of a less compressiblematerial than the user interface. The various components may be made ofmedical grade plastics appropriate for the different application andwhich are approved by the FDA. For example, the base may be made from avariety of engineering thermoplastics including without limitationpolycarbonate, polyphenylene, polyethylene or polypropylene. The userinterface may be made of rubber, foam or the like, or combinationsthereof, including without limitation low density polymers, polyurethaneelastomers or synthetic silicone. The insert end 18 of the base may beconfigured with a rim 22, which engages and retains the user interface 4around the base.

In one embodiment, the cap 24 includes a baffle 26 defining a pluralityof valve openings 28, shown as three, arranged around a central opening36. It should be understood that the baffle may be formed on the base,or separately formed and coupled between the base and cap. In oneembodiment, best shown in FIGS. 7-9, the valve openings 28 havesubstantially a kidney bean shape, with an interior edge 29 beingsubstantially linear or with a slight curve or large radius. In thisway, the valve member 30, which abuts against the baffle (acting as avalve seat), is prevented from closing entirely the valve openingsduring exhalation, thereby providing a bleed opening 32 that providescontinuous resistance to the exhaled air flow, which creates in turn apositive pressure in the airways to prevent airway tissue fromobstructing the breathing passageway of the user. For example, the backof the tongue muscle may rest against the soft palate, and both againstthe oral pharynx. In another example, when the patient is lying on theirback and asleep, the side walls may fall together to narrow or close theairway. When the muscles of breathing work to expand the chest and lowerthe diaphragm to draw in a breath of air, a negative pressure isgenerated that literally sucks the tissue together. The positivepressure in the airway created by the nasal insert assembly duringexhalation prevents the tissues from making contact and being suckedtogether during inhalation. Instead, the tissues expand away from eachother, with the apnea and snoring thereby being greatly reduced. At thesame time, the bleed openings 32 provide for an escape passageway foroxygen when the nasal insert is coupled to a gas supply in a nasalcannula configuration, as further explained below. The bleed passagewaysalso create a safety feature that provides a constant leak duringexhalation.

In one embodiment, the valve member 30 is configured as an O-ring, whichmoves reciprocally in the passageway 40 defined by the cap 24 and base50. In one embodiment, the valve member surrounds and is moveable alonga hub 48, which is configured with three fingers in one embodiment andforms part of the baffle 26. The three fingers help control and maintainthe alignment of the O-ring valve member along a centerline of theassembly. In an inspiration position, shown in FIG. 5, the valve member30 is abutted against a stop 42, but does not seal against the stop,such that gas, including for example and without limitation air, mayflow freely to the user through the exit port 52 during inhalation. Inaddition, the central passageway 36 is formed through the hub 48defining the baffle. The central passageway 36 remains open at all timesduring both inhalation and exhalation. In one embodiment, the centralopening 36 has a diameter of about 1 mm, while in other embodiments, theopening may have a diameter of 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm. During inhalation, dueto the central passageway 36 and the openings 28, which are not blockedby the valve member, less than or about 1 cm of water resistance isgenerated during inhalation.

During exhalation as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the valve member 30 movestoward the seat 26 and partially closes or blocks the openings 28leaving only the bleed openings 32 uncovered, together with the centralpassageway 36, thereby creating a positive pressure within the airwaysof about 5 to 20 cm. of water, and in one embodiment between about 5 and15 cm.

The cap 24 and base 50 are coupled together, for example with a snapfit. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15-19, the base may have a pair ofresilient arms 58 that interface and slide along a pair of recesses 60until the arms are engaged with the cap by way of a snap fit, with thebase having an outer annular skirt 62 overlapping an inner annular skirt64 of the cap. Of course, the overlap may be reversed. The userinterface is then disposed over one or both of the cap and base, and mayfurther secure, or maintain the coupling between, those components oneto the other. The user interface 4 may be secured by way of friction, orwith adhesives or other fasteners such as the tab 14 and recess 16interface or rim 22.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the nasal insert may becoupled to a cannula 70 so as to deliver a gas such as oxygen. In thisembodiment, the cap includes an insert portion or prong 72 defining acentral opening 74 therethrough, which opening 74 is in fluidcommunication with the central opening 36 passageway of the baffle. Theprong 72 extends outwardly from the cap 24 and has an exterior surface80 with a shape, such as a tapered frusto-conical shape or a tubularshape, configured to be received in an inlet tube 76 of the nasalcannula, which further communicates with a manifold tube 86. A supplytube 90, or a pair thereof, may then be coupled to opposite ends of themanifold. Conversely, the insert portion 72 may have an inner diametersized and shaped to receive the inlet tube 76. In either embodiment, anopening 92 is formed around the outside of the tube and insert such thatambient air may also be inhaled through the nasal insert. In this way, acontinuous flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation may bemaintained without any restriction to the oxygen gas flow.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12-14, the bridge alsoserves as a clip having a pair of resilient arms 100 with curvedclamping members 102, which may be secured to a cannula. Again, thenasal insert may be configured with an insert portion. The clip may bein-molded with the base, or separately configured and attached to thebase and/or cap. The arms 100 may be biased away from each other as amanifold 88 is inserted between the clamping members 102, with the arms100 then being released to secure the nasal insert to the manifold.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 20-24, a valve member 130is configured as a ball. In this embodiment, a housing 131 defines theinterior passageway 132, which is configured with a polygonalcross-section, including for example and without limitation as atriangle, rectangle (including square), diamond, hexagon, pentagon,octagon, etc. In this way, the ball shaped valve member 130 is notallowed to completely seal the passageway 132 as air flows around theball at the corners of the adjoining walls defining the interiorcross-section of the passageway. The housing 131 may be may a singlepiece, or may be configured with a base and cap. At an outlet end 134 tothe passageway, there is a minimal amount of resistance duringinhalation due to the configuration of the valve seat 136 interfacingwith the valve member, with the valve seat including a plurality ofstops 144. At the inlet end 138, a circular opening 140 is presented inthe passageway. The ball shaped valve ember 130 is prevented fromclosing the opening in the passageway by a plurality of bars or stops142 which define a valve seat. The length of the stops 142 determinesthe resistance of air flow by setting the distance between the ball 130and the circular opening 140. The less space, the greater the resistanceand an associated pressure in the upper airways of the user.

Referring to FIGS. 20-27, the outlet end 134 may have more substantialstops 144 or indents that prevent the ball from sealing the passageway,and thereby allow for minimum resistance to air flow. At the inlet end138, the stops 142 are shorter, or have a lesser extent, such that theball 130 may move closer to the opening 140 and thereby create a greaterresistance, and higher pressures in the upper airways during exhalation.In one embodiment, the stops 144 are permanently fixed at the outletend, while at the inlet end the length or amount of protrusion of thestops 142 may be variable, for example by screwing a valve seatlongitudinally in or out, by moving the valve seat against the force offriction, by fixing the position thereof with detents, or by rotatingthe stops 142 with a ratchet type device or other tool. In this way, thevalve member 130 moves reciprocally in opposite first and seconddirections I and E in response to the flow inhalation and exhalationflows If and Ef in response to inhalation and exhalation by a user, withthe valve member engaging a first valve seat 144 when moved in the firstdirection in response to the user inhalation, and wherein the valvemember engages a second valve seat 142 when moved in the seconddirection in response to the user exhalation. The first and second valveseats 144, 142 are configured such that the valve member 130 creates agreater resistance to air flow during the user exhalation than duringthe user inhalation.

Referring to FIG. 24, a single insert may be used for a tracheotomyand/or an endotracheal tube. The openings at the opposite ends of thepassageway may be about 15 mm. In one embodiment, the an outsidediameter at the outlet opening is 15 mm OD, while the cap has an inletopening with a 15 mm inner diameter, such that the assembly may becoupled to an endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube. In someembodiments, the openings at the opposite ends of the passageway may beabout 8 mm to about 10 mm in diameter.

In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 24-27, a housing 150 is formed as asingle homogenous unit defining a longitudinal passageway 152, with anaccess opening 154 formed in a side of a housing transverse to thepassageway. A panel 156, shown as a hinged door, may be moved from anopen to a closed position. During assembly, the panel 156 is opened andthe valve member 130, shown as a ball, is inserted transversely throughthe access opening 154. The panel 156 is then closed, with the userinterface 4 then being disposed over the housing 150 to secure the panelin place. The valve member 130 reciprocally moves in a longitudinaldirection within the passageway 152. Again, stops 142, 144 may bepositioned at opposite ends of the passageway adjacent the openings 140to provide a differential resistance upon inhalation and exhalation. Inone embodiment, the stop at the inlet end may be fixed or varied between0.01 mm to about 2 mm, or between about 0.01 mm to about 1.5 mm in otherembodiments. The lesser the height, the greater the resistance toexhaled gases, and the greater the corresponding positive pressureachieved in the user's upper airway passage.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-33C, a shorter insert 190,suitable for a user having smaller vestibule openings, is shown asincluding a base 200 with an elongated strap 202. During assembly, avalve member 130 is disposed in a cavity 204 formed in the end of thebase. A cap member 206 is then secured to the base to trap or hold thevalve member in an interior passageway, defined by the cavity 204. Thestrap 202 is then bent or curved around, such that a free end portion208 thereof maybe secured to the base, for example by engaging a button212 with a hole 210 in the end portion. It should be understood that anyform of coupling, including a loop/insert, snap fit, adhesives,mechanical fasteners, etc. may also be suitable. A user interface 240 isthen disposed over the base, and covers the free end of the strap tocomplete the assembly. The user interface has a plurality of exterior,longitudinally extending recesses 242, which form and define air vents,and also function as an interference fit with the nasal tissues. In thisway, the strap provides a grippable handle 220 suitable for assisting ininserting and extracting the nasal insert into and out of the nasalcavity of the user. The cap 206 and base 200 may again be configuredwith stop members 142, 144 at each end of the passageway to providepredetermined resistances during inhalation and exhalation.

Referring to FIGS. 57-64, an insertion/extraction device 500 is shown.The insertion/extraction device maybe configured with an elongatedhandle 502 that can be gripped by a user or caregiver. One end of thehandle is configured with a pair of spaced apart hooks 504, 506 defininga gap 508, with each hook having a curved portion forming a recess orgroove 510, 512. The grooves 510, 512 open in the opposite direction. Anopposite end of the handle is configured with a magnet 520. The end ofthe handle includes a housing 514 with slits 516. The housing defines acavity. The slits 516 permit the housing walls to be expanded forinsertion of the magnet 520. The housing further includes an end cover522, with slits, configured as a lip or rim in one embodiment, whichencapsulate the magnet. The cover is thin enough so as to allow asufficient magnetic force to attract a metal component disposed on or inan adjacent, corresponding nasal insert.

In operation, and referring to FIGS. 63 and 64, the insertion/extractiondevice 500 can be used to insert and extract the various nasal insertsdescribed herein. For example and without limitation, the handle 502 canbe moved toward an insert 190 having a strap 202, with the strapdisposed in the gap 508 between the hooks 504, 506. The handle 502 isthen rotated about a longitudinal axis 530 such that the hooks 504, 506engage the strap in their respective grooves 510, 512 as shown in FIG.64. The handle 502 may then be manipulated to insert the nasal insert190 into the vestibule. The handle 502 and nasal insert 290 may berotated (e.g., counterclockwise) such that the nasal insert resides in acomfortable position in the vestibule. The handle 502 may then berotated in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) so as to disengagethe hooks 504, 506 from the strap 202, with the handle 502 then beingmoved away from the nasal insert 190. The insertion/extraction devicemay also be used to extract the nasal insert by engaging the strap 202through rotation and then moving the handle 502 and connected nasalinsert 190 away from the vestibule to effect an extraction.

The opposite end of the handle may also be used forinsertion/extraction. For example, the magnet 520 may attract a nasalinsert, which may then be manipulated and inserted into a vestibule. Thehandle 502 may then be twisted or turned to disengage the magnet 520.The nasal insert may be extracted by first engaging the handle 502through a magnetic attraction with the nasal insert, with the handle 520and insert then being moved away from the vestibule.

Referring to FIGS. 34-56, a nasal insert includes a housing 300, 400comprising a circumferential wall defining an interior passage. In oneembodiment, the insert is formed with a generally spherical shape havinga diameter of from about 8 mm to about 16 mm, and in one embodiment fromabout 12 mm to about 16 mm. The housing may be made low densitypolymers. The wall is configured with a longitudinal gap 304, 404 orslit that extends along a length thereof, and thereby communicatesbetween the interior passageway 312, 412 and an exterior of the housing.In one embodiment, the gap is less than about 0.5 mm wide. In otherembodiments, the slit is between about 2 mm and 4 mm. The housing 300,400 may be gripped and squeezed such that an outer peripheral dimensionof the housing, measured about a cross-section of the housing in a planeperpendicular to a longitudinal axis, is adjustable by varying the gap304. In this way, the open side wall of the insert allow for adjustmentof the size of the housing such that the housing will fit in differentsize nasal vestibules.

A valve 306 is in communication with the interior passage 312. The valve306 limits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least onedirection. In one embodiment, the valve 306 is configured as a hingedflap covering one end of the interior passage. As shown in FIGS. 34-39and 53-55, the valve flap 306, 406 covers the inlet end 316 of thepassageway, such that the 306 flap may open during inhalation and closeduring exhalation. During inhalation, the flap 306 opens and allow forgases to be inhaled with minimum resistance, with an opening having adiameter of about 5 to 5.4 mm, and in another embodiment about 1.2 mm.During exhalation, the flap 306 closes and the expired gases pass aroundthe flap along the gap 304 through an exhalation opening 314, whichcreates resistance and back pressure in the upper airway passage of theuser. The flap 306 and gap 304 form a small bleed opening 308 positionedjust below the flap 306. The opening may be between about 0.3 mm and 0.5mm, with the area about 1 mm² to about 2 mm².

As shown in FIGS. 34-39, 48, 49 and 53-56, a bridge member 310 mayconnect a pair of nasal inserts at an end thereof opposite the hingedflap, with the bridge forming a grippable handle that facilitatesinsertion and extraction of the inserts. The bridge may include, or bemade of a metal or hard plastic insert, which provides stability for thehousing. The bridge may also be configured with a cannula clip asdescribed above. The housing may have a substantially spherically shapedexterior, a frusto-conically shaped exterior, a cylindrically shapedexterior, or be otherwise shaped to interface with the nasal vestibuleof the user. In one embodiment, a spherically shaped housing has anexterior surface with a radius of about 8 mm. In these embodiments, theflap 306 is substantially round.

Referring to FIGS. 40-47 and 50-52, a nasal insert housing 400 isfurther configured with a grippable handle 402 hingedly attached to thehousing at an end thereof opposite the hinged flap 406. In oneembodiment, the handle has an opening 420 therethrough, such that thehandle is shaped to receive a cannula tube or port/nipples as shown inFIG. 47. In this way, the insert does not interfere with the flow ofoxygen at any time during use. Indeed, the resistance to exhaled gaseswill improve the oxygen saturation by not allowing the alveoli tocollapse. The handle 402 is pivotally attached to the housing such thatit may be gripped and pivoted outward away from the user to therebyextract the insert. The handle 402 may snap into either or both of theopen and closed positions. Preferably, the insert is disposed entirelyinside the nasal cavity, or vestibule, of the user during use, with thehandle being moved to the closed position to avoid any protrusion of theinsert outside of the vestibule. The handle, whether configured as asingle insert embodiment or a bridge, may be magnetized, or made ofmetal, or include a metal insert 413 as shown in FIG. 52, that will beattracted by a magnet, such that a magnet or metal tool may be used toinsert and extract the device. In addition, or alternatively, thehandles may be configured with a filter material across the opening 420,such that the handles act as filters when closed. The handles may alsobe configured as a humidity moisture exchanger or medication holder.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 40-52, whether configured as apair of inserts connected with a bridge 310 or as separate unitsconfigured with a handle 402, a plurality of longitudinally extendingrecesses 442 provide for some leakage of gas flow as well as provide forbetter retention of the housing as corresponding ribs grip the interiornasal tissue, with the tissue deforming into the recesses. The recessesmay have a width of between about 0.1 and 1.6 mm, and in one embodimentbetween about 0.6 mm and 1.6 mm. The various devices may create aconstant back pressure during exhalation in the range of about 5 to 20cm of water, while the resistance is less than about 2 cm of waterduring inhalation.

In various embodiments, especially where configured as a single insertwithout a bridge providing stability, one or more interior, annular ribs432, shown as three in one embodiment (FIGS. 41 and 43) or as one inanother embodiment (FIGS. 51-52), may be spaced along the longitudinalaxis 411 and lie in planes substantially perpendicular thereto. The ribshelp maintain the overall shape of the insert and bias the insertagainst the nasal tissue. In one embodiment, undercuts defining the ribsare about 1.2 mm wide with a maximum depth of about 0.5 mm. The nasalinsert includes a gap 404 and an interior passageway 412, with the usersqueezing the insert to vary the gap 404 as the insert is insertedand/or extracted. Again, a leak or bleed opening 408 may be formedbetween the valve flap 406 and the gap 404 as shown in FIGS. 46 and 49.

The use of separate inserts may be particularly advantageous for usersthat, due to anatomical structure or nasal injury, use only one nostrilfor inhalation/exhalation. In addition, some users may have differentinternal heights in the vestibule area, thereby allowing the user tocustomize the individual insert to be used in each nasal cavity.

Referring to FIGS. 66-69, a nasal insert assembly 600 includes a pair ofnasal inserts 602. In one embodiment, the inserts are spaced about 18 mmcenter to center, and have a length of about 11 mm. Each nasal inserthas a user interface formed in a molded cup shape having a plurality of(shown as four) tongue-shaped petals or flaps 604 defining a curved, orconoid shaped insert portion. Although shown as four flaps, it should beunderstood that a greater or lesser number may also be suitable. Itshould be understood that the term conoid includes and refers to anouter surface portion of a sphere, cone, various spheroids, catenoidsand/or paraboloids, and includes various convexly curved surfaces. Theflaps 604 are separated by slits 606 formed in the insert, with one moreend portions of the flaps moveable to form and opening in response to aninhalation flow, and then with the end portions closing against eachother during exhalation or when at rest. The ends of the flaps may betrimmed in one embodiment, for example with a concavely curved recess,so to form a small opening 608 in the end of each insert. In oneembodiment the opening 608 has a radius of about 1 mm. Alternatively,the opening may be omitted. An annular wall 610 is formed below theslits. In one embodiment, the annular wall 610 has a height of about 12mm, and a width of about 11 mm. A spiral rib 612 is formed on the outersurface of the annular wall 610. As shown, a pair of inserts areconnected with a bridge 310 made, for example, of silicone or a flexiblelike material, such that the assembly may be molded as a one piecemolded unit. There are no additional pieces, such as an internal valve,required to make this nasal insert function.

Each insert 602 has an inlet port opening into an interior space. One ormore of the flaps 604 will open to allow inhaled air to flow from theinterior space to the patient's lungs. There is very little resistance,e.g., less than 2 cm of water, during inhalation. Upon exhalation, theflaps 604 are closed such that the exhaled air is directed along theouter surface of the flaps. The air travels down a circular, spiral flowpath 616 defined by and between the spiral rib 612 and the nasalvestibule tissue engaged therewith, which creates a tortuous flow pathfor the exhaled air. The tortuous flow path produces a resistance toexhaled air flow which in turn creates an increased air pressure in thepatient's respiratory system. The increase in pressure will be in therange between 5 and 20 cm of water. The spiral rib 612 may also beeasily compressed such that the nasal tissue is partially allowed tosettle in between the spiral rib and help maintain the nasal insert inthe nasal cavity.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

1. A nasal insert comprising: a housing comprising a circumferentialwall defining an interior passage, wherein said wall comprises alongitudinal gap extending along a length thereof, wherein an outerperipheral dimension of said housing is adjustable by varying said gap;and a valve in communication with said interior passage, said valvelimiting a fluid flow through said interior passage in at least onedirection.
 2. The nasal insert of claim 1 wherein said valve comprises ahinged flap covering one end of said interior passage.
 3. The nasalinsert of claim 2 further comprising a grippable handle coupled to saidhousing opposite said hinged flap.
 4. The nasal insert of claim 3wherein said handle comprises an opening therethrough shaped to receivea cannula port.
 5. The nasal insert of claim 4 wherein said handle ispivotally attached to said housing.
 6. The nasal insert of claim 1comprising a pair of said housings coupled respectively to a pair ofsaid valves, with a bridge connecting said pair of housings.
 7. Thenasal insert of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises at least one ribformed around at least a portion of said interior passage.
 8. The nasalinsert of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a substantiallyspherical outer surface.
 9. The nasal insert of claim 1 wherein saidhousing comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface. 10-25.(canceled)
 26. A method of providing resistance during exhalationcomprising: providing a housing comprising a circumferential walldefining an interior passage, wherein said wall comprises a longitudinalgap extending along a length thereof; squeezing said housing and therebyclosing at least a portion of said gap; inserting said housing into anasal passage of a user while said housing is being squeezed; releasingsaid housing and thereby letting said gap increase as said housingexpands into said nasal passage of the user; inhaling through saidhousing and passing air through a valve in communication with saidinterior passage; and exhaling through said housing and limiting a flowof exhaled air through said interior passage with said valve and passingat least a portion of said exhaled air through said gap. 27-39.(canceled)
 40. The nasal insert of claim 1 wherein said wall comprisesan exterior surface defining a leak passageway.
 41. The nasal insert ofclaim 40 wherein said leak passageway comprises a longitudinallyextending recess.
 42. The nasal insert of claim 7 wherein said at leastone rib comprises an annular rib.
 43. The nasal insert of claim 1wherein said gap has a width of between about 2 mm and 4 mm.
 44. Themethod of claim 26 wherein said valve comprises a hinged flap coveringone end of said interior passage, wherein said passing air through saidvalve comprise opening said flap.
 45. The method of claim 26 furthercomprising permitting a leakage of gas flow through a leak passagewaydefined between an exterior surface of said wall and said user's nasaltissue during said exhaling.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein saidleak passageway comprises a longitudinally extending recess formed insaid exterior surface.
 47. The method of claim 26 further comprisingcreating a constant back pressure during exhalation in the range ofabout 5 to 20 cm H₂O.